Achieving optimal oral health requires a lifetime of dedication to one’s oral hygiene. Even if someone complimented you of having beautiful teeth, it’s still crucial to undertake the right oral hygiene and implement it in our day-to-day lives.
11 Tips On Oral Hygiene For Healthier Teeth
Moreover, good oral hygiene helps prevent dental problems in the future. How can you acquire optimal oral health? Here, we give you 11 tips on oral hygiene to help you achieve healthier and beautiful teeth:
- Brush your teeth before going to bed
It is no secret that the general rule of thumb is to brush at least twice a day, each day. However, a lot of people continue to fail to brush their teeth before going to bed at night. Cleaning prior to bed eliminates the plaque and germs which accumulated throughout the day.
- Brush correctly
How you brush your teeth is equally significant — in reality, doing a bad job of brushing your teeth is nearly as horrible as not cleaning your teeth at all. Take ample time in brushing your teeth and gently move them in circular motions to get rid of plaque. You should know that unremoved plaque eventually hardens, thus building up and can lead to gingivitis.
- Don’t forget your tongue
Plaque may also develop in your tongue. Not only does this cause bad odor, but it may result in other oral health issues. Brush your tongue gently whenever you brush your teeth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste
There are a lot of essential components to look for from a toothpaste. It’s not just about flavors and whitening potency. Always make sure that the toothpaste you use contains fluoride.
Fluoride is a crucial element in maintaining oral health. This is only because fluoride is the front line of defense against tooth decay. It fights germs which may result in decay. In addition, it provides a protective barrier to your teeth.
- Flossing is as essential as brushing
Many who brush frequently forget or neglect to floss. Flossing is not only getting little pieces of food that are stuck in between a person’s teeth. It’s also a way to stimulate one’s gums, help lower inflammation and reduce plaque. You can reap these benefits when you floss once a day.
- Don’t refuse to floss if it’s difficult for you
Flossing can be tricky, particularly for children and seniors with arthritis. As opposed to giving up, start looking for resources that may help you whiten your teeth. There are dental flossers that are made ready-to-use. You can get these from the nearest pharmacy. See the difference it can make when you use it.
- Use mouthwash
Advertising platforms make mouthwash seem crucial for good oral health, but still, plenty of people choose to skip mouthwash as they neither understand nor care how they work. In fact, mouthwash works in three ways: It reduces the quantity of acid in one’s mouth, cleans areas on teeth and gums that are difficult to brush, and gives minerals to the teeth.
Moreover, mouthwashes are handy in balancing things. Likewise, a mouthwash becomes really helpful when children and older adults find it difficult to floss.
Consult your dentist to get specific recommendations on mouthwash. Particular brands are suitable for people with sensitive teeth and good for children. There are also prescription mouthwashes available in drugstores.
- Drink more water
Water is still the ideal drink for your general health, including oral health. Additionally, it’s highly recommended to drink water every after a meal. This helps in getting rid of a few negative effects of acidic beverages and food between teeth.
- Eat crispy vegetables and fruits
Ready-to-eat foods are suitable, but not so much in regards to your teeth. Eating fresh, crispy products is the ideal diet for your teeth. On top of that, it contains healthier fiber.
Kids should eat more chewy foods while at a younger age. This allows the jaws to work and become stronger.
- Consume less acidic and sugary foods
In the end, sugar transforms into acid inside the mouth. Then, this could subsequently erode the enamel of the teeth. These acids are the leading causes of cavities. Caffeine, teas, and acidic fruits also harm the tooth enamel. It may not be necessary to avoid those foods thoroughly, but being cautious won’t hurt.
- Meet your dentist at least twice annually
Your day-to-day oral hygiene is crucial to your overall dental health. However, even the most dedicated brushers and flossers still need to meet their dentist regularly. Generally, patients must see their dentist for checkups and cleanings twice a year. A dentist can look for cavities and remove accumulated plaque. Moreover, they can detect potential health or dental problems and offer treatment.
Conclusion
Now that you know the eleven key tips to optimal oral health and hygiene, it’s time to do practice those habits. Remember, good habits will bring great results. Committing to your oral hygiene will give you healthier, and more beautiful teeth. Moreover, The Nashville Restorative Dentistry can guide you in all your dental needs.
About The Author:
Mark Kennedy is a contributor to Nashville Restorative Dentistry. As a writer, he strives to create informative and entertaining pieces for his audience, all accompanied by a creative and unique mix. His way with his words makes readers look forward to his pieces, especially when it comes to his niche in health and medicine. Mark loves reading a good book during his free time.